What Could've Been
Chapter 13: A Different Path
The familiar North City outline dominated by edges of skyscrapers, high-rises, and skyward glow of artificial lights brought forth a mixture of childhood nostalgia and pain for the future cyborgs. Memories of their hometown, not merely from watching replays but increasingly from their reawakening human side came surging back.
That building wasn't there last time when...when father and mother took us out camping on the mountains...
And that bridge...it was still under construction when we...when we made our failed escape...
But none of these...well...exist in our time...
Two pairs of tropical ocean blue orbs nearing boiling point flashed bloody crimson as the deceased destroyers recalled what tragedy had befallen this once prosperous city, a tragedy incurred by their own hands no less. Thanks in no part to near perfect memory and what both now viewed as twisted addiction of recording what they thought of as entertaining, the screams of their victims, along with the booming explosions of entire cityscapes, were preserved in all its authenticities.
Yeah, not one of these glistening structures nor the moving traffic lights remained...
We made sure of that...
Amidst feeling of guilt, of tear-inducing raw emotions, there lingered, to their horror, a sense of satisfaction.
Well...some of those bastards deserved it...right?
Like the cops working for Crimson...and those shop owners coming after us with weapons after botched heists...
Devious grins surfaced as the future cyborgs couldn't resist but replay a particular instance during one of their earlier rampages. There, a supermarket security guard whom they've deduced after mentally juxtaposing his face against the watched footage on King Kai's planet as having shot Coral that fateful night, was seen shocked before an angry flush overtook his cheeks.
"Hey, I know you! You are that blonde thief who tried stealing from us all those years back! Later that night someone ran me over with a car, was it one of your friends huh?"
Although neither twins had a clue of what the enraged human was spouting back then, they remembered distinctively how such behavior intrigued them, especially since the nearby environment was completely engulfed in flame.
Now here's one funny creature. Everyone's running for their lives but here he is, accusing us of only what that dead mad scientist knew...
Future Seventeen was surprised he recalled even his thoughts then as if it too had been recorded. Such minor details undoubtedly gave the playback an added flavor, like icing on a cake. He could almost see himself back in time, whistling tauntingly while strolling toward the man now with his gun drawn. It was so fulfilling seeing the bastard partially responsible of his crush's death slowly went pale upon realizing whom he was up against that the cyborg would've laughed aloud had it not been his new-found moral compass kicking in.
Oh, a measly blonde thief am I? Well, I'll have him know I am much, much more capable of just stealing!
Future Eighteen's mind managed to retrieve her dated thoughts from the databank as well. That, along with how she had beelined at her accuser, shoving away burning debris and probably sporting a mean-as-hell face until the feistiness left the guard, nearly made her snicker.
N-no, that's just not right, we've already ran him over...s-stop, I can't think like that anymore...
The flashback kept playing despite their protests and wouldn't stop even as the female cyborg smacked the frightened guard utilizing such force his face caved in then proceeded to torture him using intentionally misplaced blasts all the while her brother looked on gleefully. So stomach revolting was the once sweet memory that both killers gasped in relief after seeing Future Seventeen finally shot the broken man through his heart.
"Hey, you two doing okay there?" King Kai asked full of concern, bringing his guests out of their thoughts.
"Y-yeah we are," Future Eighteen had to take a moment to compose herself as she brushed away a loose strand stained by cold sweat, her other hand resting on her sibling's trembling back.
"Good, then I shall resume the viewing; let me know if you two need a breather anytime." The guardian said, once again showing sympathy unlike when their exercise had just begun.
His guests nodded gratefully and Future Seventeen even gave his host a "Thank you!"
P-please, don't make the same mistake as we did...don't harm anyone...
On screen, their alternative selves, despite unburdened by neither their past nor grave deeds of their future selves, still gazed upon their hometown from the hills in evident trepidation.
"Hey sis does this scene look familiar to you?" Present Seventeen asked, stroking his chin.
Present Eighteen narrowed her yellow flashing eyes in what her future self knew as an attempt of searching through her altered memory, only to stomp her feet hard on the ground seconds later. "No little bro...nothing other than it's North City, the closest human settlement to that blasted doctor's lab." She spat vehemently.
The brother raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And that's from Gero's description isn't it?"
A disgruntled huff from the sister was all it took to convince everyone that was indeed the truth.
"Heh, very typical of that freak, whose only concern was himself and his goal." The raven-haired sibling shrugged before moving closer to the glistening landscape. "But I could've sworn we're more closely tied to this place than the bastard would have us believe though." His voice carried with it an undeniably sense of excitement, one none had heard for a long time.
His blonde counterpart crossed her arms in front of her chest in what her viewers deemed as a wary sign.
"Sis?" Present Seventeen turned to his twin after a lengthy silence.
"You aren't thinking about venturing into a city are you bro?" Her words came across more as a statement than a question.
Seemingly having his decision challenged, the younger brother said cheekily, "So what if I am sister dearest?"
Future Eighteen almost rolled her eyes alongside her present counterpart, who had spun around to glare at the younger sibling dead in the eyes. "Y-you can't be serious, we can barely control ourselves and now you want to go into a densely populated place like North City?" She all but screamed at him.
"Hey, hey, relax sis," Present Seventeen put both hands up defensively whilst still sporting the same smirk. "I'm not suggesting us actually sleep in there okay? We'll be in and out before sunrise. Who knows, a change in scenery might do us some good. I mean, excuse me for saying this dear Sixteen," he paused again, crystal blue eyes staring up at the night sky as if in remembrance before continuing. "But it might be constantly living in the woods that's driving us nuts."
Perhaps moved by his animated speech, Present Eighteen had lowered her gaze and mouthed out hesitantly. "I...I'm not...,"
"Nah it's totally fine I promise! Just follow me sis!" She didn't get to finish her sentence when her brother grabbed her by the arm and leapt off from their hiding place.
By Sixteen, just how will they react to such a memory filled place?
Both deceased killers shuddered in unison, forcing out any lingering flashbacks of carnage while praying to their friend from another timeline to watch over the adventurous duo.
The two beings known formerly as Lapis and Lazuli had, let it be chance or fate or perhaps simply driven by impulse, chosen what their future counterparts recognized as the exact same path they had used to escape North City years earlier. Despite knowing full well nothing could physically threaten them at this point, their audiences nevertheless felt more secure seeing the now cybernetic siblings were camouflaged not only by the night but the dense foliage and overgrown vegetation.
From the behaviors of the present twins, it was safe to say the feeling's mutual as both stuck to the shadow whenever possible. They were like two graceful felines, powerful yet shy, wary of unnecessary confrontation, the sole clue of their existence being two pairs of eyes glowing a mesmerizing blue in the dark.
When the comforting greens eventually gave away to man-made browns and grays, Future Seventeen and Eighteen shuddered and linked their hands on instinct. Present Eighteen acted in similar fashion too as she retreated behind a tree just like when hiding from Cell and reached out desperately for her brother, only to grasp nothing but air.
At that moment, a look of fear quickly spread across the cyborg girl's already tense cheeks, drawing sympathy from her viewers.
K-knowing the first thing we did upon setting foot in this place was to give it a complete makeover, ridding it of any resemblance...I don't blame you girl...not at all...
"By Sixteen, these lights...I don't know why but I don't like their color." Present Seventeen had acted much more in control and ventured daringly forward. Yet no amount of excitement could shield him from the familiar lights nor their effects as he hurriedly raised a hand to cover his eyes.
"Hey bro! You still think this is a good idea?" His elder sister asked, already gesturing her brother to step back into the shadows.
The brother's ears twitched and spun around, flashing an unconvincing grin. "Of course little sister. Now follow your older brother's lead." He had marched on even before the complete sentence left his mouth.
"Little brat!" She snapped then darted into the open in a rather rigid fashion.
The first distinguishable landmark the present cyborgs encountered turned out to be a desolated park. To their future counterpart's surprise, they were able to recall its name being 'Polaris Park' without having to read the smudged sign. Walking further down memory lanes conjured up vivid imageries of the still functional facility and all the good times they've had as an intact family of four.
"Be careful Lapis! Don't swing too high!"
"Lazuli, wait for mama!"
Voices of their missing parents resonated across the future twins' skulls, threatening to bring out tears.
W-we didn't destroy this park after coming back as...well...monsters...or did we?
Another image surfaced in their brains, one showing the park abandoned just like displayed on screen. Here, Future Seventeen spun his rickety swing like a rollercoaster, going near 360 degrees before reversing direction and screaming like a kid while Future Eighteen sat atop a slide, her hands clasping her cheeks looking bored but not forgetting to criticize his childish behavior. This brought a nostalgic smile to the cyborgs' faces, until they realized surrounding them were nostril-blocking smokes seething from burning buildings, the hellish scene completed by non-stopping choir of the dying.
N-no...please don't do what we did you two...
The present twins meanwhile remained frozen by the entrance, eyes narrowed as if scrutinizing the broken equipment.
"Does this place ring a bell to you sis?" Present Seventeen wore a frown, his attention glued onto what must be his favorite swing.
Present Eighteen's arms were crossed in front of her chest yet again as she mumbled hesitantly. "Maybe...it does feel...familiar."
"It sure does...let's see if I can find out more about it." The brother proclaimed giddily, his feet already on the move.
"Huh...and just how exactly do you plan on doing...," The sister paused abruptly, her mouth agape seeing her sibling was already swinging like a pendulum, producing ear-scratching noises of rusty metal chains scratching against one another.
"Why am I not surprised?" Both Eighteens exclaimed in unison, to which Future Seventeen shrugged playfully while Present Seventeen swung his seat with increased vigor till he was nearly going in circles.
The deceased killers could feel their stomach swimming with fluffy sensation as the raven-haired youth tested out all the park had to offer. Even the blonde twin wasn't immune to the sheer amount of joy radiating from her younger brother, seeing she sat on a seesaw and, albeit clumsily at first, began bouncing up and down. Apparently unbothered by the fact the lever was designed for two, even the half-mechanical girl would in time adopt a more relaxed posture, her movement increasingly resembling that of a rabbit.
To all who witnessed the scene, it was as if the cybernetic twins had managed not only to leave their nightmares behind, but also to regress in age. Their humanly smiles, or at the very least excited grin of Present Seventeen and content expression of Present Eighteen were as natural as they came.
Before such unbelievable yet welcoming scene, all Future Seventeen and Eighteen could do was to lean against each other, letting their minds drift into a faraway place. Although currently basking in feel good sensations, neither had forgotten all positive developments in this timeline were followed inevitably by misfortunes.
Instinctively, both had begun to erect a mental guard the more their present selves enjoyed themselves.
W-what's coming next? We now know King Kai wouldn't purposefully screw with us but nor would he have us watch some relaxing segment just for the sake of it...
They are going to do something stupid aren't they?
Ostensibly reassured and perhaps even galvanized by the playground experience that left their hair unkempt and demeanor softened, the present twins wandered increasingly inward, leaving the city edge and all its downtrodden buildings behind. The next stopping point resembled a quiet suburb where clean sidewalks and pristine two-story houses lined the street. Orange glows could be seen shining through some of the windowpanes, casting the environment in a warm hue.
"Wow!" Present Eighteen muttered in a longing tone, her attention gravitated toward the many polished features such as white garden fences, well-kept lawns, and reddish brown roof tiles.
"Yeah, sure looks familiar." Present Seventeen commented, though obviously less impressed.
"No little bro, that's not all." She admonished before striding forward like a leader expecting her twin to follow, to which he obliged after letting out a yawn.
The near identical dwellings gradually got more fanciful until extravagant architectures occupied every corner. It was only then the Future cyborgs connected the dots together and realized their present selves were close to their childhood address. Tried their hardest to recall what they had done to their old home they did, yet neither could conjure up the image of that modest mansion from all the cybernetic recordings.
All they succeeded instead was clogging their minds with sensory overloading carnages where crimson blood coated what's left of the demolished streets.
D-did we blew everything up so fast our home was destroyed before we had a chance to revisit it?
Goosebumps inducing fear coursed through the deceased destroyers' bodies, one only surpassed by heavy regret lingering in their hearts.
"Hmph!" On screen, Present Eighteen paused in front of what appeared to be a hybrid of alien-looking structure and ancient castle and huffed angrily.
"What's the matter sister dearest? Can't find a suitable place to crash for tonight? I thought we agreed to not sleeping in the city?" Present Seventeen asked, more curious than worried.
The blonde cyborg remained laser focused on her task and didn't so much as looked at her sibling, her curt reply being, "It's not here."
Her raven-haired counterpart cocked an eyebrow. "What's not here sis?" He sounded more alarmed now.
"The house, the two-story mansion with freshly trimmed lawn and fine stone walls. By Sixteen I could've sworn it's supposed to be here!" The older sister yelled, more to herself than anything. She then spun around and glared at her brother without turning off those blinking red eyes that he took a step back. "Don't you remember bro? Or was it just me remembering the house?" Her voice had adopted an unprecedented sense of urgency.
"Hmm...now that you've mentioned it," Present Seventeen stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I do recall a house but it's definitely not...this." He surveyed the building intently with those piercing blue eyes before shaking his head in a disapproving manner.
"Yeah, definitely not this mad house." She added reproachfully.
As the cybernetic siblings continued looking for signs of this missing house or rather, their childhood home, the future cyborgs were working just as hard, utilizing every bit of computational power in combination with human cleverness to piece together the puzzle. Altogether, four pairs of cat-like orbs flashed a never-ending yellow, the displayed numbers coming and leaving as if someone's flipping through a book full of datasheets.
The four-story mansion topped with that funny purple roof looked just like our neighbor's...
And that oval-shaped house was no doubt the other neighbor's...
No...don't tell us...
Suddenly gone were the analyzing lights from the audiences and replacing it were murderous, crimson flashes. Artificial energy waves of green and pink had also started dancing across their bodies, so much so their host was forced to intervene.
"Hey, how many times do I have to tell you two this is just a viewing? Besides, I thought you guys have already recognized your evil ways?" The guardian's voice was stern but sincere, more imploring than condemning.
"R-right. Sorry King Kai." Brother and sister apologized with equal sincerity.
From the shocked gasp accompanied by displeased grimace of present cyborgs, it was clear they had arrived at the same conclusion, even if the amount of displayed anger paled in comparison. Seemingly unwilling to accept the truth, they paced back and forth the block a few more times, their movements getting more frantic by the second akin to lost bees.
No, it's not there anymore, whoever owned the land must've demolished your...our old home...
Comparing to you two...what we've done...simply blowing the entire city up was taking the easy way out...
The future cyborgs watched on full of sympathy as looks of distraught were plastered across their alternative selves' faces. At last, Present Eighteen let out a defeated sigh, her watery eyes downcast and body trembling like she was about to detonate.
"Sis...I'm just as upset as you are but we can't just lose control here!" Present Seventeen placed a hand on his twin's shoulder, repeating his viewers' thoughts almost down to the letter.
"I...I know...I just...," She gave him a tight squeeze then walked toward the bizarre building to everyone's alarm.
S-she's not going to kick the door down and teach those bastards a lesson is she?
A visual of the snub trio who had bought their home, all dressed immaculately occupied the deceased killers' minds. They could picture perfectly how the young cyborg girl will drag them from their beds in the middle of the night, scaring the crap out of them in the process. What follows is undoubtedly some nice ass whopping that leaves the disgusting couple and their son begging for their lives before summarily executing them. If done clean enough, the future cyborgs reasoned, their present selves can bury the corpses in the backyard without a soul knowing, leaving them to redecorate their childhood home to their liking.
This vivid imagination was enhanced by pulling together memories of all their home invasions. Its realism left its creators gleeful and cringing at the same time.
And they'll deserve every bit of pain she gives them won't they? After all, they stole and demolished our childhood home...
W-wait...j-just stop...is that a crime condemnable by death?
No longer sure of the right decision and plagued by conflicting principles, the viewers sat back and watched in trepidation.
It was tense as hell when Present Eighteen reached forward, only to grasp the doorknob gently, giving it a few soft turns. The metal object creaked but otherwise remained intact.
"Common sis, let's go! There's nothing for us here!" A very distressed Present Seventeen made his way up the front porch and wrapped his arms around her now trembling frame.
His advice couldn't have come sooner either, seeing the formerly lifeless building burst alive as lights turned on in rapid successions, followed by shouts of, "Whoever you are outside you'd better not try anything funny cause I'm armed and not afraid to use lethal force!"
It was an empty threat they all knew, for armed or not, no ordinary human could possible match the cybernetic duo in strength. Yet just like last time, the artificially enhanced would-be world destroyers left without causing trouble. Hand-in-hand, they vanished from the quiet suburb, leaving the current owners of their altered childhood home in one piece. It was a decision that earned them nods of approval from their future counterparts who were all too glad of the lack of bloodshed.
Wow, some habits really do die hard don't they?
Future Eighteen looked on as her present self tried on clothing after clothing inside a broken into shopping mall, leaving a pile of cloth hangers and an even more impressive mountain of unwanted garments nearby. Despite literally having all the latest fashions in the world, the blonde girl appeared hardly pleased, the same frown and downcast eyes from earlier prominent as ever. It was as if she was merely going through the routine physically, her mind elsewhere.
Feeling her mental state increasingly in sync with Present Eighteen, the older blonde wore a melancholic smile but otherwise offered no criticism.
I don't blame you...I'd probably be too worked up to try anything properly...
Aside from killing that is...or rather...was...
The cyborg girl was evidently not the only one whose behavior garnered attention; however, seeing her ever so active brother sat on a cardboard box motionlessly. Still as a statue, the youth could well pass as a mannequin on display, decorated in the trendiest items had it not been his attire heavily damaged from all the nightmare induced panics earlier.
Wow, what remarkable patience he's shown. If it were me, I would've complained about sis taking so much time already...
Now hold on a minute, that's not patience at all...he's just...
Just lifeless...
So downtrodden was the younger cyborg boy that those monochrome eyes infected his future self, transforming the pale blue into a shade of gray.
"So what do you think that house is sis?" Present Seventeen finally showed signs of life and asked earnestly.
"I don't know bro...but whatever that house is, or was," Present Eighteen answered from the dressing room then suddenly paused as if she had choked. "I-it had to be something important...if only I can recall more memory about it." Her words were drained of energy, clearly still haunted by earlier distress.
Her brother stayed silent for a while before a familiar whistle left his mouth. It wasn't long till another similar tune drifted to into everyone's ears, prompting all to gasp upon realizing the sister had joined him. Together, the joint vocals traversed across the dark corridors of the store and bestowed the eerie space a sense of human touch no artificial being should be capable of.
Until Present Seventeen uttered a wrong note that was, and the pitch dark place regained its solemnness.
"You alright baby bro? That's the first time I heard you whistling the wrong tune." Present Eighteen commented with uncharacteristic playfulness.
In a complete role reversal, the younger twin merely scoffed, his fingers digging into his hair.
Although basked in foul mood; however, Future Seventeen was still impressed by his other self's good nature when he greeted his elder sister freshly emerging from the dressing room. "You look good sis." His words were warm and lacking any traces of impatience.
"Thanks bro, and you look," Present Eighteen stopped mid-sentence to scrutinize the rag her brother's wearing, her brows furrowed and her lips thinned while her hands shook uneasily, nearly dropping the few outfits.
"Yeah? I look like what?" He challenged in what according to his future self was a typical invitation for a verbal sparring match.
Good, at least he hasn't lost his spirit...
The elder sister opened her mouth as if about to say something before closing abruptly, her cat-like eyes flashing a knowing glint. "Let's just say it's time to help you pick something presentable little bro...then I'll take you car shopping what do you say?" She added the last part after carefully studying her twin's expression.
Three pairs of astonished blue eyes trained on the young blonde, with Present Seventeen even making a funny face.
"Is there a problem baby bro?" The elder sister inquired in a deadpanned manner, utilizing all the authoritativeness at her disposal.
"No...I mean yes sis, I'm perfectly fine with what I have." The brother complained, only to be cut off by a portion of his torn sleeve falling onto the floor.
"Uh-huh," She was tapping her feet impatiently now.
"W-whatever sis, let's just pick me something quick." The baby bro relented, to which Future Eighteen chuckled aloud whilst Future Seventeen scoffed in what was once again behavior reversal.
By end of what the older raven-haired man coined as 'Dress Me Up Exercise', the younger male would emerge clad in an orange scarf that replaced his ripped bandana, black leather jacket, fresh denim jeans, and name brand shoes.
"Wow." Both Seventeens exclaimed in unison.
"You like it? I've been wanting to do something about those rags." Present Eighteen remarked proudly.
"Gee thanks sis. Makes me wonder who else will be fortunate enough to be subjected to you picking cloth for them." Present Seventeen's voice bore a sarcastic undertone, albeit without bite.
Despite this being merely another episode of sibling banter, the older twin halted all movements, her eyes widened and cheeks flushed a rosy color. It took her future self longer to decipher what was running through her head but the resulting reaction was nevertheless the same.
K-Krillin...i-is she thinking about Krillin?
I never get to help my brother pick his cloth, let alone Krillin...
A look of pure regret spread across her face, one she allowed to linger on for a prolonged period as she reminisced all the possibilities with a certain warrior monk she has had. It wasn't until a loud crash resonated through King Kai's house that shook the former terminatress from her dreams.
"What was that?" On screen, Present Seventeen inquired calmly as he scanned for the source of noise.
"I don't know, sure sounds like someone decided to break into this place," Present Eighteen reasoned. "And from how big of a fuzz they are making, I'd say these are amateurs." She concluded critically.
"Hey common sis, not everyone can be such a pro at alarm system and picking locks right?" There wasn't a trace of sarcasm this time.
The sister nodded, sporting a small smile. "I guess not bro. So what do you feel like doing now? It's your choice." She offered with open palm extending toward him, a gesture her audiences responded to by shaking their heads vehemently.
The brother returned with a cheeky grin. "I think you already know that answer sis. Let's go check out what these amateurs are up to."
Oh no, that's just what we feared...what if they ran into someone they know...there's no telling what reaction they'll have...
The present twins descended down the shopping mall floors silently like a pair of professional criminals. There wasn't so much as the sound of air current brushing past them, which when coupled with the unlit exterior rendered them nearly invisible.
The same couldn't be said about the loud noises coming downstairs though, and soon it was clear to all there were multiple people rummaging through the goods, making little effort or perhaps clueless at how to mask their presence.
"Hey Garnet, check this diamond out. I bet we can sell it for a ton of cash!" A teenage girl's voice could be heard accompanied by crisp shattering of glasses.
"Yeah I see that Jade. And will you look at this stylish suit jacket? Sure looks good on me doesn't it?" A boy sounding roughly the same age replied.
There was a brief silence, and then the female responded drily. "Yeah it does bro, but what's the use of a suit jacket? Nobody back at the orphanage has any use for that kind of formal wear."
T-the orphanage...could these kids actually come from...from THAT orphanage?
A renewed interest, but one not without apprehension attached, surged through the future cyborgs' bodies. As for the present duo, while neither exhibited noticeable signs of catching on the significance of those words, they were nevertheless intrigued by the notion of, as Present Seventeen puts it, "So they are a brother and sister team huh? Kinda like us don't ya think sis?"
By now, the twins on screen were crouching behind railings of the second floor and observing the two thieves, one a fiery redhead and the other greenish black-haired teen going about their business, stuffing two black plastic bags full of expensive items. Although obviously young and inexperienced, the siblings worked as a team, systematically stripping the place of anything of value.
"Yeah sis, I know I know, but you can't deny the fact this looks good on me now can you?" The one known as Garnet retorted in what the future cyborgs considered as typical familial banter. "But who knows, if I ever get out of this dump, if I ever get myself a job," He paused and took an audible inhale. "I'll be sure to wear this jacket as a reminder I've made it!" The boy proudly declared.
If...if he ever makes it out...if this brother sister team makes it out...
A trickle of hot tear dripped down both deceased killers' cheeks. They then turned toward each other simultaneously and saw the face of someone who not only hadn't gotten out, but came back and destroyed everything.
In our time, no one makes it out...thanks to us no less...
The present twins' reactions on the other hand was unobservable, shrouded behind the pitch darkness that camouflaged them so well.
All of the sudden, ear piercing noises of motorbike engines resonated throughout the viewing room quickly followed by eye blinding lights that illuminated the floor where Garnet and Jade were stealing from. The two thieves froze up like deers caught in headlights, their reactions further proof of their inexperience.
"Hey, lookie what we have here!" A gruff male's voice came from outside of view.
"Yeah, two brats stealing, from our turf no less!" A second man sounded off screen.
Other incomprehensible taunts and jeers boomed, its sheer volume and perhaps number of bikers surrounding the siblings prompting them to retreat into the shopping mall.
"Running away eh kiddies? Well I don't think so?" The authoritative voice triggered a series of rapid maneuvers that saw Garnet and Jade encased in a circle of thugs wielding a variety of weapons from chains to spiked clubs.
"W-wait please, w-w-we don't mean to intrude on your territory sir." To the human boy's credit, although obviously scared and stuttering uncontrollably, he still managed to place himself in front of his sister, arms stretched.
"Y-yeah, we are just taking what's necessary. B-besides, it's not like you owned this place now is it?" The human girl chimed in and stood beside her brother, their hands linked in a display of unbreakable bond all too familiar to the future cyborgs.
"Excuses! No one takes from our territory without giving something in return." The same booming voice imbued with authority came barking from a large burly man, who then made his way toward the shivering kids and roughly shoved them onto the floor. As if he hadn't displayed enough dominance, he then began walking in circles around the two orphans. "So tell me, what is it you two are prepared to give in return?" Asked him darkly to which all the cronies chanted a non-stop song of "Take! Take! Take!"
From across the screen, the future cyborgs were about to leap off from their seats, their eyes blinking bloody red and energy surging through their bodies uncontrollably once again.
The deceased killers' bottled up aggression was released in the form of Present Seventeen and Eighteen jumping down from above, with the raven-haired cyborg landing squarely atop the cocky gang leader while the blonde twin helped the downed thieves up. Just like that, the tables had turned and the bikers silenced.
"Hey, I don't know who you are brat, but you sure have a lot of nerve stepping on my head!" The man under Present Seventeen's foot shouted, only to start wincing in pain from what must be the cyborg boy increasing pressure on his skull.
Yeah, that's right other me, crush him like what you've done with Gero's head!
Future Seventeen's mouth curved up in a sinister smile before a thought hit him.
No wait, people like this chump aren't worth other me dirtying his hands or in this case, foot...
"Why don't you losers get the hell out of our sights and we'll let your boss take his life with him? How's that for taking?" Present Eighteen had moved in front of her brother and the orphans and ordered in an icy voice, the implied danger behind those words felt by all as the gang members slowly backed away all the while Future Eighteen smirked with pride.
As expected from other me...she doesn't even need to show her real strength when voice alone can intimidate anyone into submission...
Hopefully they'll make it through the night without bloodshed...
"No, don't listen to this little wench!" The gang leader shouted yet again, clearly trying to regain control or at the very least, not to lose face. "Charge these bastards immediately you hear! We'll have them stomped under our feet in no time!"
Hesitant at first, the bikers let out a collective shout probably meant to drown out the fear gripping them and ran forward.
Welcoming loud thuds rang like music in the future cyborgs' ears, their eyes twinkling, having registered five thugs flying off screen simultaneously from what looked like invisible punches. The rest halted abruptly, with one daring member taking a tiny step forward as if testing her, only to be met by a slap visible to naked eyes that sent him falling on his ass, hands clenching his broken nose.
"N-no way!" The leader stuttered in fear.
"Yes way little man. Now are you going to call off your men or does sister dear have to inflict more pains on you lots?" Present Seventeen sank his feet further into his head, drawing more whimpers of agony.
"O-okay okay...y-you all heard him, we are leaving! Get on your rides we are leaving!"
The cyborg boy waited until the entire gang had scurried away before taking his boot off the disgraced coward, letting him crawl a bit then sent him flying off with a kick to the buttocks. Noises of motorbike engine starting soon filled the soundscape once more and ended with an empty threat of "You two had better leave town fast you hear? Or else we'll come for your heads!"
Now in the clear, the present cyborgs turned toward the orphans who had since stopped trembling and were giving them looks of gratitude.
"Wow mister, you are so cool! Thank you so much for helping us." Jade wrapped her hands around the cyborg boy's frame, her cheeks flushed.
"Y-yeah, thanks so much you two. That was incredible." Garnet exclaimed, his brown eyes gazing admirably at his rescuer.
It was both a heartwarming and pain inducing sight for the future cyborgs, seeing how two pure humans not only weren't scared of their present selves but having moods brightened by their presence. The older blonde especially was having a hard time looking at the screen.
Before this, Krillin was the only person who had shown any joy seeing me...
The younger raven-haired cyborg meanwhile straightened Jade up, whose blush was now rosy pink as if having a crush on the handsome man. "Hey, no problem. You guys were very brave coming here gathering goods for your friends too!" He praised and flashed her a cheeky grin.
"T-thank you...b-but we should probably get going before the police gets here." The tomato-faced girl, who hadn't stuttered for some time, replied with difficulty.
"Sounds like a plan to me. We'll even help you carry your trophies." Present Eighteen chimed in as she nonchalantly lifted one of the black bags that had evidently required the orphans to utilize all their strengths to move, garnering her gasps of shock and admiration, not to mention two pairs of somewhat longing eyes.
Wow...we can really get used to being appreciated...
The quartet traversed at, according to human standard, breakneck speed until the ransacked shopping mall had vanished beneath layers of buildings before slowing down to a walk. Now faraway from the city center that was painted a wide spectrum of vibrant colors, their surrounding environment grew increasingly quiet and dim, with narrow alleyways replacing the large streets.
T-they aren't really going to help them carry those bags all the way to the orphanage are they?
There's no way seeing that place won't bring out some sort of unwanted reactions...
The audiences were for the umpteenth time sitting on the edge of their seats. Judging from how the scenery grew increasingly familiar in addition to getting darker and dirtier, they could deduce their destination was around the same area.
"Are you two sure you don't need us to take over the bags?" Fiery-red haired Garnet asked in a concerned tone.
"Hey it's alright; me and sister dear can carry these all day if we have to." Black-haired Seventeen boasted to which his sibling gave him a light jab to the waist, her narrowed eyes telling him nonverbally to stop bragging.
"Wow, o-okay. Well, if you need me to help out just say the word. We are pretty close to our home by the way just in case you are wondering." Starry-eyed Jade reassured, unable to hide her affection for the cyborg seeing her face blushed the same color as her brother's flaming hair.
A period of casual chatting or rather, one-sided introduction from the orphans ensued. There, the two patient listeners on screen along with their viewers learned of the human siblings' past and how they were placed in the orphanage after their parents had failed in business and had to go on a run. Despite unaware of the similarities, the cybernetic twins nevertheless showed visible pain and sympathy for the duo, their voices a far cry from that of a robot's.
"So, what is your name mister?" Jade had predictably asked about her rescuer's name.
"Yeah, we'd be honored to know your names!" Garnet chimed in enthusiastically.
Remember this, pathetic weaklings, your killer's name's Seventeen. You are free to take it with you to hell!
And mine's Eighteen, don't ever forget that even, in death!
I don't think they ever will sis, since there'll be plenty other losers repeating the same names in hell!
Cruel final sendoffs of the future cyborgs came flooding back that instant, their own uncaring, monotonous voice sent shivers down their spines.
"I'm...well...," Chatty Present Seventeen grew quiet for once, clearly uneasy at disclosing his current name but eventually answered, "Let's just call me Seventeen."
"And you can call me Eighteen." The older twin quickly added, albeit with a heavy tone.
"Oh!" The two pure humans blurted out in shock before Jade hurriedly corrected. "W-wait no, that's not what I meant to say. It's a cool name. I like Seventeen right bro?"
Her brother quickly nodded. "Yeah totally, Seventeen and Eighteen are such unique names!"
Seeing such vastly different reaction upon learning their names, the future cyborgs couldn't help but palmed their foreheads loudly akin to self-punishment.
"But I'll be honest here though," The jet-black haired girl with green dye job continued. "I was honestly expecting you two to tell us different names."
It was the cyborg twins' turn to be taken off guard as both gave the girl a curious glance.
"Oh really? How so?" Equally black-haired Present Seventeen asked, his eyes gleaming.
"Well...don't get this wrong... but we could've sworn we saw your faces before." Jade explained, her emerald-colored orbs staring upward as if recalling memory.
Garnet nodded, his hand stroking his chin. "Yeah, I think your faces are in some of the photos back home. Ms. Poule sure loves to talk about your lookalikes."
"Like how those brother and sister, twins too, helped out a lot at the orphanage; that they led the others through some hard times and improved everyone's situation." His sister continued for him in a dreamy fashion.
"Yeah yeah, Ms. Poule even said had you guys or rather...your doppelgangers been around, no thugs would've dared to pick on us!" The human brother shouted ecstatically.
The twins narrowed their eyes, eyebrows furrowed and expression tense. A bit of yellow flashing could be seen from their pupils but once it stopped, their faces remained unsure.
"And...just what are their names? They sounded like heroes to me!" Present Seventeen, clearly unable to help but brag, added the last descriptions to which both Eighteens rolled their eyes.
"Hmm...I...couldn't remember...," Garnet had all but stopped in his tracks, his arms crossed in front of his chest and head slumped downward.
Jade was more or less in the same boat, until suddenly she leapt up in joy akin to figuring out a puzzle and shouted for all to hear. "Oh I remember, your name's Lapis! Yes it's Lapis! And that must mean you are," Her finger now pointed at Present Eighteen, ready to disclose the name but quieted upon seeing Present Seventeen's reaction.
All attentions were on the struggling cyborg boy, whose formerly cocky and somewhat full of himself expression had not merely paled but adopted what could only be described as crazed grimace. His crystal blue eyes now blinked crimson red, the cybernetic boy grasped his head as if suffering from severe headache. Soon, clattering of teeth and loud groaning that sounded half-human and half-mechanical resonated across King Kai's house.
"Mister...S-Seventeen, are you okay?" Teary-eyed Jade tried reaching out for her rescuer but was suddenly pulled away by Present Eighteen to a safe distance.
"Eighteen, what's happening to your brother?" Garnet asked full of concern.
"I don't have time to explain, but you kids need to go on without us," The cyborg girl shouted, going as far as extending a nearly invisible barrier around the orphans and not a moment too soon as well, for that a green electric current had unintentionally lashed out at the pure humans. "Quick! Leave us! You guys can reach the orphanage from here right?" The blonde yelled, this time showing more urgency.
Stunned but evidently not forgetting their manners, the human siblings nodded in unison, grabbed their loot, and took off, but not without leaving a heartfelt, "Thank you so much, Seventeen and Eighteen, we'll never forget you!"
It was impossible not to respond in kind, seeing the future cyborgs muttered a collective "And thanks to you two!" while Present Eighteen spared them a genuine smile, her ocean blue orbs, marred by a thin layer of glistening tear, reflected off the orphans' retreating form.
"Alright, now let's get you to safety little bro!" The elder sister then gathered her agonizing brother into her arms. The wildly discharging electric arches collided against her frame, burning her attire and leaving sparks flying everywhere yet she clenched her teeth and blasted off into the now slowly dawning sky.
The sun had risen above the mountain ranges where the present cyborgs were taking refuge. At a clearing devoid of pine trees that, as their future counterparts surmised, wouldn't cause too much collateral damage, Present Eighteen dropped her brother on the ground before holding his head in a warm embrace. No amount of sibling care seemed enough to ease his pain; however, seeing those cat-like eyes widened to near circular shapes while blinking crimson red nonstop.
"Bro! Get a hold of yourself!" The elder sister implored desperately, her otherwise angelic facial features twisted in anguish.
"I...I can't...it...it hurts so bad...," The younger bother stopped abruptly, letting out a blood curdling cry. "T-that...that name...it triggered something in me sis! I can't control my energy modulator...nor my targeting system!" His screams continued, scaring away any animal within vicinity.
Having never witnessed distress at such critical level, the future cyborgs were reduced to two frightened beings holding onto one another with trembling hands.
W-what had Gero done to them? To us? Had he intentionally locked away their true names or programmed some form of self-destructive mechanism if we ever learnt of our real identities?
The two then suddenly gasped in relief.
T-thank Sixteen in heavens we were...well...dead when King Kai let us know we are really Lapis and Lazuli...
Back on screen, the present cyborgs weren't given so much as a temporary reprieve, especially the younger brother, who was now clawing at his skin. Artificial veins of blue and red had also begun bulging underneath his pale skin, condemning the handsome youth into an inhuman mess.
"Sis...I-I can't! Leave me!" Present Seventeen pleaded.
"Yes you can bro! Let it out! You have to!" Present Eighteen reassured, holding onto him tighter.
Two pairs of crystal blue eyes met amidst the chaos that, to their audiences at least, seemed to have rekindled a sliver of hope. After exchanging nods, the suffering twin grabbed hold of his faithful companion's hands as if relinquishing control and was reciprocated by a firm squeeze.
Please, both of you have to pull through! You've already been given a second chance...by Krillin...so don't let it go to waste...
Future Eighteen's fingers were intertwined with her twin's in an inseparable bond just like their alternative versions. Deciding to go one step further, they began praying for a miracle all the while eyes locked onto the development.
A blinding glow engulfed not only the screen but also King Kai's house and, for a few seconds, it was as if the present cyborgs had disintegrated within the uncontrollable outburst. The light soon dimmed; however, enabling the future beings to make out Present Eighteen must've erected a barrier around them both but with a clever minor tweak, seeing the top of the shield was left opened, allowing excessive energy to escape skyward.
The sky above, having recently been painted a hue of pinkish yellow by the sunrise, received a green makeover as the pillar of light erupted from the forest floor. When the commotion died down at last, a ring of fire marked the limits of destruction but the trees nearby surprisingly weren't damaged. In the middle of this crater, Present Seventeen was still lying in his sister's embrace, both bruised and charred but very much intact.
"Sis? Did we?" He looked at his sibling as if for reassurance, a look of relief had begun spreading across that human-looking face.
"Yes baby bro! We've pulled through! We are in the clear!" Present Eighteen declared.
"YES! We've, wait no, they've pulled through!" The congratulatory yell came from Future Seventeen, who had risen so abruptly that his seat was knocked down. Unlike all the previous chair knocking scenarios that were full of resentment and self-pity, this one was done out of uncontainable joy.
"High five sis!" The overjoyed deceased killer held out a raised palm, to which his stoic partner happily accepted. Perhaps overwhelmed by positive emotion, the cyborg male found himself walking toward King Kai with similar gesture before he could control himself. "O-oh right." He muttered dejectedly after staring at his host for some time, only to find the guardian clapping his hand, followed by a genuine "High five!"
Another celebration of sorts was happening on screen too, with Present Seventeen lapsing into perhaps a laughter generated by his near escape from death. His more silent sister would soon join him in this emotional discharge, their merry voices accompanied by resumed forest soundscape.
"See, what did I tell you Krillin? You don't want to admit it but I knew it was these two all along!"
A sharp, accusatory voice had swept aside the celebratory mood, prompting the overjoyed future cyborgs to spun back in trepidation.
No...that voice, it couldn't be them...
"Tien, Yamcha, and...and Krillin? What are you guys doing here?" Present Eighteen, still sitting on the forest floor, turned around to look at the three familiar faces nearby, her expression paling especially upon seeing a certain below average height and bald warrior monk
"What are we doing here? Isn't it obvious? We trailed reports of your destructions here!" A second voice, one belonging to a scarred face fighter, loudly declared.
No...no not like this! This is all but a huge misunderstanding!
The future cyborgs shook their heads vehemently but no amount of protest from across time and space could so much as soften Present Tien and Yamcha's disgusted look, their only saving grace being Krillin's sympathetic, albeit hesitant expression.
A/N: Looks like I've fulfilled my promise of publishing again before January is over. I was undergoing a pretty severe writer's block that had me question all my writing decisions so glad I can get this out in time. As per usual, I'll try to have chapter 14 done as fast as possible but honestly, I am very and I mean very emotionally drained, both due to publishing this series and dealing with everyday stuff. The fact this work is quite emotional heavy didn't help either.
Rest assured I'll try to finish this work. It will take a lot more chapters but rest assured, I have the ending already planned out and want to see it to the end.
Well, looks like this is it folks, until next time!